Bosco Youth Reach Out

16/07/2026

FROM SNACK PACKETS TO EDUCATION, THE STORY OF SR. JOHANNA
Sr. Johanna was pleasantly surprised when the Home of the Arts (HOTA) team from Ndama arrived at her plot for a visit. Although we had mentioned that we would come, she never expected us to show up that day and her warm smile said it all.
Sr. Johanna is the founder of St. Paul's Private School in Sauyemwa, one of Rundu's most densely populated communities. Her passion for education is evident as she continues teaching many children whose families are unable to afford school fees, ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn.
Following the May Pre-Incubation Training at Don Bosco, she began collecting discarded snack packets and transforming them into beautiful woven mats and bags. The process requires patience, creativity, and precision. During our visit, Sr. Johanna and the principal teacher, Mr. Mesinya, proudly showcased some of the impressive products already made by their students.
Beyond creating attractive products, this initiative has the potential to become a sustainable livelihood opportunity. By equipping students with practical upcycling skills, they can generate income while developing a new perspective on waste not as rubbish, but as a valuable resource. With an existing market for these products through Home of the Arts, the possibilities are encouraging.
Our visit also gave us a glimpse of Sr. Johanna's inspiring vision. Situated on a beautiful site overlooking the Kavango River, with Angola visible across the water, she dreams of establishing a fully-fledged boarding school complete with classrooms and hostels. It is an ambitious vision that will require partnerships, technical expertise, and investment to become a reality.
At Home of the Arts (HOTA), we believe in the Learn | Create | Market approach empowering communities through skills development, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate with St. Paul's Private School and support this inspiring journey toward education, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.

22/06/2026

From Regional Champion to National Stage: One Stitch at a Time

Every great achievement begins with a dream, a skill, and the courage to keep going.
Meet Joel Cyprian, a 29-year-old Fashion and Designing (Level 3) student from Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute, Lilongwe, who has earned his place among Malawi's finest young artisans. After emerging as the 1st Place Winner at the Regional Skills Competition Central Region, Joel is now preparing to represent his institution at the TEVETA Malawi National Skills Competition 2026.
Joel's journey reminds us that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is more than learning a trade it's about unlocking potential, creating opportunities, and building a future through practical skills. Every garment he designs reflects countless hours of dedication, creativity, and determination.
At Don Bosco, we believe that skills transform lives. Joel's success is a testament to the quality of TVET education, the commitment of his trainers, and the resilience of young people who choose to shape their own futures with their hands and minds.
As he steps onto the national stage, Joel carries not only his personal ambition but also the hopes of his institution and the inspiration of many young people who aspire to excel through vocational skills.
We wish Joel every success as he competes among Malawi's best. May his talent continue to inspire others to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and prove that skills are a pathway to prosperity. Congratulations, Joel! Don Bosco is proud of you.

17/06/2026

15.06/2026 | Lusaka - Zambia
The Salesians of Don Bosco, represented by Bosco Youth Reach Out (BYRO) – Planning and Development Office (PDO) of the ZMB Province, together with colleagues from Don Bosco Mondo, Bonn (Germany), paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Andreas Pletziger, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Zambia.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share the mission and impact of the Salesians of Don Bosco across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana, particularly in the areas of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), youth empowerment, employment promotion, entrepreneurship development, and community transformation.
During the engagement, the delegation highlighted the achievements of various initiatives supported through German cooperation, including efforts to modernize TVET institutions, improve employability for young people and women, strengthen green and digital skills, and promote sustainable livelihoods across the region.
The discussion also explored potential opportunities for collaboration, networking, and strategic partnerships with the German Embassy and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The exchange reaffirmed the shared commitment to empowering young people with relevant skills, creating pathways to decent employment, and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Andreas Pletziger and the German Embassy for their warm reception and openness to dialogue. We also thank our partners from Don Bosco Mondo for their continued support and collaboration in advancing the Salesian mission.
Together, we continue to invest in young people, strengthen vocational training systems, and build hope-filled futures across Southern Africa.

05/06/2026

FOCUS STORY OF THE WEEK:
THE TAILOR OF DIGNITY: THE STORY OF MR. STANISLAUS MBAMBA
In the heart of our Rundu incubation program, among many bright minds and bold ideas, one story stands as a profound reminder of why we do this work.
Growing up as a member of the Khoi San community, Stanislaus felt a deep, personal struggle with the traditional attire he was expected to wear. To many, it was a cultural marker; to him, it felt like a barrier to the dignity he envisioned for himself and his people. He didn't just wish for change; he vowed to be the change.
Stanislaus made a promise to himself: he would learn the art of tailoring. He wanted to ensure that he and every other member of the San community would have the opportunity to clothe themselves with choice, quality, and pride.
Today, that vow has become a reality. Stanislaus has moved from the "pre-incubation" phase to the "pitching stage", showcasing not just his technical skill with a needle and thread but also his vision for a more inclusive and dignified future.
Stanislaus’s journey is about more than fashion. It is about: Breaking Cycles: Overcoming historical expectations to build a modern career; it's about Community Care: his goal remains focused on "clothing himself and other San members; and it's about empowerment: by turning a personal childhood "vow" into a sustainable livelihood.
We are so proud to support entrepreneurs like Mr Mbamba. His story proves that when you give a person the tools to succeed, they don’t just build a business; they build hope for an entire community. "I learned to make clothes so that I could clothe myself and my people." Mr. Stanislaus Mbamba

04/06/2026

FROM VISION TO VENTURE: EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH BUSINESS INCUBATION IN RUNDU
Transformation doesn't happen in a vacuum. It happens when raw talent meets the right resources. This week we focus on the Collective efforts of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Rundu, where we witnessed the powerful conclusion of our Pre-Incubation Training, where a diverse group of visionaries stepped up to the pitching stage to redefine their futures.
Our participants didn't just attend classes; they underwent a mindset shift. We saw young people and adults alike take their first steps toward becoming formal business owners.
Through the pre-incubation phase, this group have refined their business models to solve local problems, mastered the art of the "pitch" to communicate their value to investors and built a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs who are now collaborators rather than competitors.
The success of this program rests on the shoulders of the partners who stepped forward to provide the "how" and "where" of business growth. A special thank you to the organizations that turned information sharing into actionable hope: Standard Bank in Rundu opened doors to the Oil & Gas sector and provided access to free online certification courses; the Ministry of Education & Culture Bridged the financial gap by introducing Government Business Loans starting at N$20,000 for the incubatees; NAMCOL provided the academic and vocational framework necessary for sustainable skill-building, and the Ministry of Youth & Sport ensured that the energy of our younger participants is channelled into long-term economic stability. Big thanks go to the German government (BMZ) through Don Bosco Mondo for the support in establishing Business Incubation Centres through the trust given to the Salesians of Don Bosco.
What we are seeing in Rundu is a Story of a community moving from "surviving" to "thriving". When a government ministry offers a loan and a bank offers a specialized program, they aren't just providing services; they are telling these entrepreneurs: "We believe your idea is worth the investment." *
As we prepare to share personal success stories, we celebrate every participant who stood up to pitch. You are the architects of the new Kavango East. "True development isn't what we do for a community, but what the community discovers they can do for themselves with the right support."

03/06/2026

RENEWED HOPE FOR YOUTH IN THE HEART OF MWATA KAZEMBE KINGDOM
The Salesians at Don Bosco Kazembe are working to transform the lives of young people through expanded skills training, the introduction of new vocational courses, and the construction of a Technical Secondary School.
The Youth Centre is also being improved to promote holistic development through education, spiritual formation, sports, and youth empowerment activities.
This vision aims to give vulnerable and disadvantaged youths the opportunity to acquire practical skills, quality education, and hope for a brighter future. Together, we are building dreams and empowering the next generation. "EDUCATION IS THE MATTER OF THE HEART"

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

30.04.2026 | DAY III HIGHLIGHTS: Day Three of the FQMS training focused on strengthening internal controls, risk management, and audit readiness as critical pillars of effective financial stewardship. Participants explored practical control measures such as segregation of duties, approval processes, documentation standards, and reconciliations, while identifying common risk areas in financial operations. The sessions emphasized that strong controls are essential not only for preventing errors and fraud, but also for ensuring reliability and accountability in financial systems.
The training further highlighted the importance of quality assurance and compliance, reinforcing the need for complete audit trails, consistent documentation, and continuous monitoring. Participants gained insights into maintaining audit readiness through disciplined processes and aligning financial management with sustainability and resource mobilization efforts. The key message was clear: effective financial systems build institutional credibility, support informed decision-making, and enhance long-term impact.